Make Copilot as a smart assistant work even more efficiently? Enter Power Platform!

Microsoft Copilot has already changed the way we work considerably through its integration into the Microsoft 365 suite. From automatically summarising Teams meetings to drafting Word reports: thanks to its integration in the Microsoft 365 suite, Copilot helps you carry out repetitive tasks faster and more easily. But what if you could get even more value out of Copilot? With Copilot Studio, a component of Power Platform, and plug-ins, Copilot can also control external data sources and business processes. Outside your Microsoft environment, that is. We are happy to explain how this works.

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More firepower for your Copilot

Microsoft 365 Copilot offers users a smart assistant. It works seamlessly within the familiar Microsoft 365 applications such as Outlook, Teams and Excel. Retrieving information from sources such as your email, calendar, SharePoint or OneDrive: it offers incredible added value.

But what if Copilot could look further than just these Microsoft sources? Good news: with the integration of plug-ins via Copilot Studio, this is possible! This way you can link Copilot to CRM systems, HR applications or ERP systems. And users can automate many more processes and tasks. Suppose you work in sales. You could simply ask your Copilot which appointments are planned for that day, and immediately also request a history of certain clients.

What is the difference between Microsoft 365 Copilot and Copilot Studio? Microsoft 365 Copilot is aimed at end users for supporting daily tasks within the Microsoft 365 suite. Copilot Studio is a component of Power Platform, and focuses on professional users with some technical knowledge. They can create and customise their own AI assistants according to business processes.

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How plug-ins work within Microsoft 365 Copilot

A plug-in is an extension module built within Copilot Studio, a component of the Power Platform. You can then activate them in Microsoft 365 Copilot. The handy thing about plug-ins is that they provide access to external data sources and processes. This way your Copilot assistant can not only use data from Microsoft 365. But also from, for example, legal documents, in-house databases or support tickets. Moreover, you can also automate customer-related actions, or for example order new office equipment.

Sounds complex? No worries, the strong point of these plug-ins is the accessible way in which they can be rolled out within Power Platform. As a user you need little technical knowledge to activate these functionalities.

Moreover, there are security measures at two levels:

• Data level: the access rights to the source data are maintained, so that only authorised users can consult certain data.
• Plug-in level: you can specifically assign plug-ins to certain departments or users. This way they benefit optimally from the new functionalities.

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Adoption strategy as a prerequisite for success

The combination of data and automation makes daily tasks and processes even faster and more efficient. And in-depth technical expertise is not a prerequisite for success: a smooth roll-out stands or falls with a good adoption strategy.

At The Flow we follow the ADKAR methodology for this. Everything starts with creating awareness about which plug-ins are available and what value they add. After that follows the guidance of users. This way we ensure that they make optimal use of the new possibilities. And that they stay up to date on new, relevant functionalities.

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Want to know more? Feel free to contact us!